ArchiveRussell Brand and Katy Perry will marry soon

Katy Perry (Photo: Frank Micellota / EMI)

Russell Brand and Katy Perry are set to marry within months.

The couple – who have been dating since September and got engaged over New Year – have shocked friends by revealing their wedding plans are already well underway and have asked pals to keep dates free for the nuptials.

Russell, 34, has reportedly already asked his manager, Nik Linnen, to be his best man and told him to start preparing a speech.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Russell caught everyone off guard with the engagement. They’ve decided they won’t be messing about and have already made plans for the big day.”

Katy’s strictly religious father Keith Hudson has also given former his blessing to the couple’s wedding plans, saying he is “happy” with the news.

Further details of Russell’s meticulously planned romantic proposal on New Year’s Eve (31.01.10) in the Indian city of Jaipur – also known as the Pink City – have also been revealed.

First the comedian prepared by taking Katy, 25, to one of the city’s ancient forts, where he bought her a £600 traditional Indian dress to wear, before they headed back to the luxurious Taj Rambagh palace hotel, where he had further surprises in store

As source at the hotel explained: “He had organised a special dining experience. We set a table in a garden with candles everywhere. They arrived in a horse and carriage with a glass of champagne and we served them dinner.

“At midnight they enjoyed fireworks while sitting on an elephant, which Mr. Brand specially requested.

Then they were taken to the Mughal Garden – which was decorated by flowers and candlelight.

“Mr. Brand had given his butler the diamond ring to hide among the flowers. Miss Perry found it, he proposed, and she immediately said ‘Yes’.

“After that they requested 45 minutes’ privacy. They looked like they were beautifully in love.”

The couple were in India for a Christmas holiday, a present from Russell to Katy, and they have since moved on to Thailand to celebrate their engagement.